GRINNELL, Ia. -- The Ripon women's soccer team (3-5-1, 0-2-1 MWC) recorded a one-goal defeat this Saturday, September 26, to the Pioneers of Grinnell College (3-5-1, 1-2 MWC).
The road game opened with the Red Hawks's defense immediately tested as Grinnell earned the first shot attempt of the game inside the second minute of action, missing high of the target. Ripon managed to respond, as
Martina Palazzolo (Sterling Heights, Mich., Utica Ford HS) fired a shot in the 16th minute that was scooped up by the Grinnell goalkeeper. The shot would be Ripon's only of the first half, while defensively, the Red Hawks withstood seven attempts from the hosts, two on target.
The second half was more of the same from both programs. Again Palazzolo earned an early attempt, also saved by the Grinnell goalkeeper, while the Pioneers responded almost immediately with a shot of their own. Then, in the 68th minute, Grinnell managed an unassisted goal on their second shot of the half, putting the hosts up 1-0. Grinnell would manage 5 total second half shot attempts, while Ripon did not find another opening after the early Palazzolo attempt, ending the game in a 1-0 defeat to the Pioneers.
Ripon returns to action this Tuesday, September 29, for an away game against UW-Stevens Point. The Pointers have earned a 4-2-3 record so far this season, most recently marking a 2-0 win over Coe College.
